Didier Mbenga, the 31-year-old Belgian pivot of Congolese origin, has signed a contract with the Chinese club Qingdao Eagles. After being without a club for several months, Mbenga will attempt to revive his career in China, playing alongside Tracy McGrady, a former NBA star.
In the NBA, Mbenga played from 2004 to 2011 and represented teams such as the Dallas Mavericks, the Golden State Warriors, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the New Orleans Hornets. Notably, he became the first Belgian player to win an NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers on June 14, 2009, and was part of the team that secured a second consecutive title the following year.
Mbenga’s journey to basketball success has a unique background. The son of a large family close to the government in Congo, he faced challenges during the political changes in the country. Mistakenly identified as a Tutsi during the Second Congo War, Mbenga was thrown into prison but managed to escape. Fearing for his life, he sought asylum in Belgium, where he was noticed by Willy Steveniers, impressed by his physique, and worked with him to develop his basketball skills.
The dream of playing in the NBA came true for Mbenga in 2004 when he joined the Dallas Mavericks after spending time in various Belgian clubs. His career also included stints with the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers, where he played a role in winning two consecutive NBA titles. Mbenga’s move to the Chinese league is a new chapter in his basketball journey.
